John Greenway dies after cycling accident

The man behind Opera in the Arboretum, Mr John Greenway, has died as the result of a cycling accident.

Mr Greenway of Pearl Beach died on February 26 after the accident in Gosford on February 10.

His wife, Ms Marijke Greenway, said her husband was thrown over the handlebars head-first into the pavement, when his push bike hit an unexpected obstacle.

"He was taken by helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital Intensive Care Unit where he was put on life support, receiving excellent one-on-one care for 16 days," she said.

"We had one glimmer of hope when he wiggled his toes three times on command in the presence of his doctors.

"On February 26, we received an urgent call from the hospital.

"It was 2am, so we knew he was critical.

"He was battling and we watched his life ebb away."

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has expressed sadness at news of Mr John Greenway's death.

Club publicity officer Mr Vic Deeble said: "John was the inspiration behind our annual fundraising event, Opera in the Arboretum.

"Over 14 years, John acquired the talents of top Australian and international stars to entertain audiences in his local community at Pearl Beach.

"Opera in the Arboretum will be a lasting tribute to a committed humanitarian who gave so much of his time to help others."

Mr Deeble said Mr Greenway joined club in 1999 and was president in 2003-4 and served on the board for many years as project director.

He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his service.

"John also organised the graffiti removal project and worked diligently all year to keep walls free of spray paint," said Mr Deeble.

"John will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"Our thoughts are with Marijke, his wife of 51 years, and the family," Mr Deeble said.

Ms Greenway said: "Life is wonderful but can change in an instant and so it has.

"John was doing what he has done thousands of times before and doing what was a driving force in his very busy life.

"Just something on the road and his bike stopped sharp, throwing him over the top and coming down hard, hitting his head.

"This was not supposed to happen," Mrs Greenway said.

A funeral service was held on March 8 at the Greenway Chapel, Green Point.

SOURCE:

Social media, 2 Mar 2019

Vic Deeble, Rotary Club of Woy Woy

Media statement, 2 Mar 2019

Marijke Greenway, Pearl Beach